Robust Unidirectional Airflow through Avian Lungs: New Insights from a Piecewise Linear Mathematical Model.

ABSTRACT: Avian lungs are remarkably different from mammalian lungs in that air flows unidirectionally through rigid tubes in which gas exchange occurs. Experimental observations have been able to determine the pattern of gas flow in the respiratory system, but understanding how the flow pattern is generated and determining the factors contributing to the observed dynamics remains elusive. It has been hypothesized that the unidirectional flow is due to aerodynamic valving during inspiration and expiration, resulting from the anatomical structure and the fluid dynamics involved, however, theoretical studies to back up this hypothesis are lacking. We have constructed a novel mathematical model of the airflow in the avian respiratory system that can produce unidirectional flow which is robust to change

SUBMITTER: Harvey EP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4749316 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature